TRC endorses overarching Environment Policy
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Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) today (July 19) endorsed a new Environment Policy at its July Ordinary Meeting that is designed to guide decision making, improve the efficient use of resources and achieve cost savings.
TRC Planning and Development Committee chair Cr Megan O’Hara Sullivan said the overarching policy provided a foundation for Council to build and enhance its environmental management systems, while also adhering to international environmental standards.
Cr O’Hara Sullivan said the policy’s core principles would guide the development and operation of other Council policies and considerations of all environmental matters.
“The policy will apply to all Council activities and provide a more consistent approach to managing environmental matters. It complements our sustainability goal listed in Council’s Corporate Plan (2019-2024), along with Queensland legislation,” Cr O’Hara Sullivan said.
“Complying with industry standards is an effective way to demonstrate Council’s commitment to our obligations to be ecologically sustainable, while mitigating and responding to climate change risks and opportunities across our infrastructure, project and service delivery, and regional planning areas.”
TRC Planning and Development Committee portfolio leader Cr Bill Cahill said all operational areas of Council would consider the social, environmental and economic life cycle costs and benefits of their respective projects.
“In addition, Council will partner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to protect and conserve Aboriginal cultural heritage and incorporate Aboriginal land management into Council’s practice to protect and manage the environment,” Cr Cahill said
“Council’s existing environmental management system rates highly compared with similar systems across Queensland and Australia.
“The Environment Policy will improve the consistency and performance of our existing Council Corporate Plan vision, strategies, operating policies and procedures. The policy will be reviewed after an initial 12 months.
“Council also provided the policy to our Environmental Advisory Committee for its review and feedback earlier this year.”